February 26th of this year marks the 84th Academy Awards ceremony. What does this mean to all of us here at St. Edward’s? It means that we have the chance to see if the Academy agrees with our choice of “Best Actor/ Actress”, “Best Director” or “Best Film.” After all, the only people who get a say in who wins an Oscar this year are active members of the Academy. So, just what is the Academy anyway and why does it matter? The Academy was founded in 1927 by Louis B. Mayer, M-G-M’s studio chief, with the intent of preserving the integrity of the film trade and honoring the works and artists that uphold a certain standard of excellence. Academy members are those who have already distinguished themselves within the film industry, and therefore, should know a good movie when they see one. Their most recent choices include The King’s Speech (2010), The Hurt Locker (2009), and Slumdog Millionaire (2008).

What is most interesting about their choices is that all of these movies address serious historical or current events. They all have a deep inspirational message. In other words, they are movies that take off because they do more than satisfy the criteria for a blockbuster; they say something about society or humanity. That being said, it is not surprising that none of the Twilight films have ever been nominated. In order to win an Oscar, a film cannot simply be popular. As far as preserving the integrity of the film trade, the Academy has been a success. They set a standard that all serious directors, actors and screen writers are pushed to achieve.

Of course, many people see the Academy Awards as just another opportunity to ogle attractive celebrities but it is really a chance to see what advances have been made in the film industry and in society as well. During the ceremony, there are montages dedicated to showing the evolution of film technique. Looking back at some of the earliest Oscar recipients, such as Gone with the Wind (1939) or Casablanca (1943), you can see not only how films have changed but more importantly how society has changed. From the fashions of the day to the way in which men and women interact with one another very little has stayed the same.

The films that make up the list of “Best Picture” recipients are each representative of the standards of their time. Those movies were approved by the society in which they were created and knowing that allows people today to gain great insight into the workings of past society. By preserving these films physically and guaranteeing that future generations will be familiar with them, the Academy preserves a detailed record of the history of social media.

I will admit, I have not historically been known to watch award shows unless I just happen to come across one when I am bored. However, being in college has heightened my social awareness and this year I will be watching to see what this year’s “Best Picture” and what that says about us as a culture. The nominees this year are: The Artist, The Descendents, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Help, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, Moneyball, The Tree of Life, and War Horse. What films will our generation be known for?